A YOUNG man has been remanded in custody by a court accused of murdering a 16-year-old schoolboy in a playing field last weekend.

Before the magistrates was 18-year-old Lee Cowie, of Beechwood Avenue, Sittingbourne, who has been with killing Michael Chapman, of Sheppey Way, Bobbing.

The offence is alleged to have occurred on the upper playing field above Gore Court Cricket Club at Sittingbourne.

An application for bail by Cowie's solicitor, Tobias Burrough, was refused.

Cowie, wearing a white t-shirt, appeared in the dock flanked by two police officers. He remained silent during the proceeedings.

No plea was entered and the case was adjourned until July 3 when there will be a preliminary hearing before a judge at Maidstone Crown Court.

A 16-year-old local boy arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed to Sittingbourne Police Station pending further enquiries.

Detectives have set up a witness appeal line - 01795 419158. Alternatively people can ring Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.